OSWEGO -- Oswego's Director of Code Enforcement says the city is planning to demolish one city building and is looking at several others.
A single family dwelling at 133 West Fifth St. in Oswego was condemned today. Neal Smith says the city is getting quotes for the demolition. He says the owners of the property will reimburse the city for any money spent on demolishing the building.
Leighsa McLean, who lives next to the building, says she's happy it's being demolished.
"It's going to be a big empty space for the time being," says McLean. "I don't have to worry about my kids being over there."
Property owner James Tian says he plans to pay for the building to be demolished and then rebuilt into a two family dwelling.
Another building of concern is the former Lambrino's Cleaners at 133 East First St. Smith says there hasn't been an inspection, yet, but he has heard there are environmental concerns at that address because it was a former dry cleaners.
The third building the Oswego Common Council is watching is the former Coleman's Building on West Seneca St. Smith says the building is owned by the city, and it could be sold in the near future.
Smith says, because of the recent collapse of the St. Louis Church in Oswego, there has been more discussion in general about the state of vacant buildings. He says Code Enforcement maintains a vacant structure inventory list, and buildings are regularly checked.
"You have buildings that are up to 200 years old or even more, so it requires constant vigilance of the building owners and regulators such as myself to prevent these incidents from happening," says Smith.
Smith says while he's keeping track of which buildings are in need of repair, he also asks people to do their part.
If you have any concerns about a building near you, contact Smith at (315) 342 - 8265.
